The world has lost a quintessential Southern Gentleman, who might more aptly be described as a modern-day Renaissance man. During his life Howard Clinton "Sonny" Gray, Jr., was a gifted athlete, a talented artist, a woodworker, a military man, an avid traveler, landscaper, musician, and golfer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews –and even to his great nieces and nephews, who all knew and loved "Uncle Howard." At 6'2" he towered above many in physique, but not in spirit, for he was a good-natured, gracious man to everyone alike.

Howard Gray was born on November 29, 1931, in Havana, Florida, to Howard and Yvonne Gray. He was the third of four siblings. He passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at the age of 92 in Panama City, Florida.

Because of his ruddy complexion and dark red hair, Howard became known as "Red" as he grew up in Havana. In high school, he became an All-State forward for the Havana Bears, averaging 17 points a game. Upon graduation he was recruited to play basketball for the Gators at the University of Florida. Howard switched to playing baseball for his beloved Gators where he soon became a starting pitcher, his height making him an intimidating opponent on the pitching mound.  He played on the 1951-52 Gators baseball team that won the program's first SEC regular season title. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Shortly after leaving the University of Florida, Howard accepted a job with the Bay County Extension Office and began teaching horticulture classes in the local school system.  This gave him the opportunity to meet a charming teacher from Kentucky—Carol White. They were married less than a year later August 12, 1957, and remained married for 67 years.  Together they raised three daughters and a "late in life" son, whom they all took great pride in spoiling. Howard began teaching in several Bay County schools before landing at Callaway Elementary, where he was fondly known to all as "Coach." His straw hat was as famous as his loud voice, which could be heard all over the playground—and the kids loved him. He later went on to earn his master's degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University. In the summers, he taught swimming lessons in their backyard pool to hundreds of kids in the Panama City area.

Howard loved Carol dearly. More than that, he adored her for her dry wit, her keen intelligence, and her lively spirit. She made his life interesting and fun, and he did the same for her. Carol's personality was the perfect contrast to Howard. He was steadfast and methodical while she had a sense of carefree adventure which Howard always supported—although he did have his limits. When Carol took up flying, Howard accompanied her twice, but after a very bumpy landing, he decided she could continue that pursuit on her own. He felt the same about her motorcycle interest, yet Howard never tried to slow Carol down. Throughout their marriage, they developed an unusual method of communication. When they needed to call one another—whether they were in separate rooms in their home or on the other side of a large store, they would whistle back and forth, their whistles getting closer and closer until they found their way back to each other. After the children were grown, Carol and Howard became world travelers. They would jump on military cargo planes at minimal expense, even sleeping on military bases. Together they loved a good bargain.

Throughout his life, Howard's artistic gifts literally and figuratively brought color to the lives of those he loved.  Howard focused his gift on watercolor and pen and ink, and what Howard saw in life came to life in his paintings and drawings. He reduced many of his pieces to the size of bookmarks and small cards, and if you have ever attended a local funeral, wedding, or social event, you probably have some of these in your possession. In the last year of his life, his artwork even made it to a children's school in Uganda. He was proud that his artwork was so well received by students and teachers in another part of the world.

His sense of design and creativity were put to practical use in his workshop where he spent many hours running a buzz saw.  He built most of the furniture in his and Carol's home.  He made everything from bunkbeds to chairs and tables—even sofas.  He also created unique gifts for those he loved—cutting boards and a handy gadget that measured pasta.

Howards' military career began at the University of Florida when he joined the ROTC.  Shortly after he married Carol, he joined the Army National Guard and Reserves where he proudly served for many years, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a patriot in every sense of the word. He never tired of the guards saluting him whenever he drove through security at a military base. He knew he was not there on official business but was there only to shop at the commissary.  (To Carol, however, this counted as official business.)

Howard was a man of God and a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He believed in the grace of the Gospel and lived his life with gratitude for this wonderful gift. He and Carol were members of Palo Alto Church of Christ for nearly 50 years.

He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Carol White Gray; children, Melissa Howell, Jenny Grammer (Joe), Mary Meekins, (Glenn), and Stan Gray (Jennifer); his grandchildren, Matthew Wright (Julie Adair), Allison Morgan (Casey), Katy Russell (Tyler), Clinton Howell, Emily Grammer, Megan Meekins, Lucy Kelly (Jackson), Jane Gray; and five great-grandchildren, Owen, Caroline, Emma and Eloise Morgan, and Harris Russell.  Howard never met a stranger and leaves behind countless extended relatives and friends he held dear to his heart. The family would like to express their gratitude to VITAS Hospice whose professionalism and kindness brought comfort to Howard and his loved ones at the end of his life and to the Palo Alto church community and the "Old Callaway Family" for the food, memories, and love they have so generously given.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 27th at Palo Alto Church of Christ in Panama City, FL, at 11:00. Visitation with the family will begin prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Callaway Elementary Legacy Library in memory of Howard "Coach" Gray or to a charity of your choice.

My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3

In faith we stand on this promise and know that today Howard resides in the Lord's Kingdom, throwing pitches, hitting golf balls, playing the clarinet, running a buzz saw, painting watercolors and nurturing plants in an effort to put finishing touches on the places where those he dearly loves will reside.

We miss you, Daddy. You are dearly loved.

https://www.mypanhandle.com/sports/local-sports/1931-2024-remembering-howard-coach-gray-jr/